Sulfate radical (SO 4•− ) is widely recognized as the predominant species generated from the cobalt(II)-activated peroxymonosulfate (PMS) process. However, in this study, it was surprisingly found that methyl phenyl sulfoxide (PMSO) was readily oxidized to the corresponding sulfone (PMSO 2 ) with a transformation ratio of ∼100% under acidic conditions, which strongly implied the generation of highvalent cobalt-oxo species [Co(IV)] instead of SO 4•− in the Co(II)/PMS process. Scavenging experiments using methanol (MeOH), tert-butyl alcohol, and dimethyl sulfoxide further suggested the negligible role of SO 4•− and hydroxyl radical ( • OH) but favored the generation of Co(IV). By employing 18 O isotope-labeling technique, the formation of Co(IV) was conclusively verified and the oxygen atom exchange reaction between Co(IV) and H 2 O was revealed. Density functional theory calculation determined that the formation of Co(IV) was thermodynamically favorable than that of SO 4•− and • OH in the Co(II)/PMS process. The generated Co(IV) species was indicated to be highly reactive due to the existence of oxo-wall and capable of oxidizing the organic pollutant that is rather recalcitrant to SO 4•− attack, for example, nitrobenzene. Additionally, the degradation intermediates of sulfamethoxazole (SMX) in the Co(II)/PMS process under acidic conditions were identified to further understand the interaction between Co(IV) and the representative contaminant. The developed kinetic model successfully simulated PMSO loss, PMSO 2 production, SMX degradation, and/or PMS decomposition under varying conditions, which further supported the proposed mechanism. This study might shed new light on the Co(II)/PMS process.• OH-mediated pathways (eqs e and f). 15−17

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SUMMARYThis paper addresses the problem of almost disturbance decoupling (ADD) using sampled-data output feedback control for a class of continuous-time nonlinear systems. Under a lower-triangular linear growth condition, a sampled-data output feedback controller is constructed based on the output feedback domination approach, and a Gronwall-Bellman-like inequality is established in the presence of disturbances. Even though a sampled-data controller is employed for easy computer implementation, the proposed controller is still able to achieve ADD under the commonly used continuous-time requirement, that is, the disturbances' effect on the output is attenuated to an arbitrary degree of accuracy in the L 2 gain sense.

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Natural astaxanthin mainly derives from a microalgae producer, Haematococcus pluvialis. The induction of nitrogen starvation and high light intensity is particularly significant for boosting astaxanthin production. However, the different responses to light intensity and nitrogen starvation needed to be analyzed for biomass growth and astaxanthin accumulation. The results showed that the highest level of astaxanthin production was achieved in nitrogen starvation, and was 1.64 times higher than the control group at 11 days. With regard to the optimization of light intensity utilization, it was at 200 µmo/m 2 /s under nitrogen starvation that the highest astaxanthin productivity per light intensity was achieved. In addition, both high light intensity and a nitrogen source had significant effects on multiple indicators. For example, high light intensity had a greater significant effect than a nitrogen source on biomass dry weight, astaxanthin yield and astaxanthin productivity; in contrast, nitrogen starvation was more beneficial for enhancing astaxanthin content per dry weight biomass. The data indicate that high light intensity synergizes with nitrogen starvation to stimulate the biosynthesis of astaxanthin.

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